CEO MONTHLY / GLOBAL COO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2025 7 COO of the Year 2025: Autonomous Robotics & Innovation Follow Inspiration, a start-up that has been in the robotics sector since 2012, specialises in the development of practical robotic solutions that make the tedious tasks easier and workplaces safer and more efficient. In a world where AI systems are threatening the creative sector more so than any other, this company’s focus on autonomous robotics in fields such as retail, logistics, and automotive is a step in the right direction for many. We caught up with Ricardo Araújo, Follow Inspiration’s award-winning COO, for more on its pioneering work. Despite some of the challenges inherent in automation, there is no denying its value in helping discerning organisations looking to support their teams with technology that is both reliable and capable of streamlining workflows. This group primarily forms the client base of Follow Inspiration, a company that is well versed in creating state-of-the-art robots that are capable of navigating busy environments like warehouses. All of this began more than a decade ago with the creation of WiiGO Retail, an autonomous shopping cart devised to assist individuals with mobility problems – such as the company’s CEO. This development set the wheels in motion for Follow Inspiration to explore advanced robotics further, creating solutions that could be effortlessly applied to the operations of businesses across almost any sector anywhere in the world. Today, the company’s portfolio consists of three lines its Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) line, units capable of transporting pallets and other such loads; its Autonomous Forklift line, self-driving forklifts that can pick up and transport any pallet or container; and a range of mobile ‘picking’ robots, which grab and transport products without the need for any infrastructure reinforcement. Underpinning these solutions is a fleet management system that allows these robots and their workflows to be managed in real time. Thus, as COO Ricardo Araújo explained: “We aim to assist organisations in solving genuine problems with accessible, dependable, and innovative technology. Our vision is for robotics to seamlessly integrate into daily life and work, becoming a natural and helpful presence. Our commitment to closely listening to our clients and adjusting our solutions to fit their needs distinguishes us from competitors that simply offer ‘one-size-fits-all’ products.” Innovation has been a common theme throughout Ricardo’s esteemed career, a journey shaped by experiences across a number of roles. Along this road, Ricardo has become an expert in building the best teams, listening acutely to the needs of customers, executing highly successful projects, and supporting the ever-evolving technology and robotics communities worldwide. Over the past 15 years, Ricardo has worked for OutSystems, SoSafe, and Code For All, taking on roles relating to the likes of customer success, digital information, and user experience. Each of these positions has had a huge impact on Ricardo’s professional development, and the skills he has honed across these roles are reflected in the operational excellence he embodies as Follow Inspiration’s COO – especially when it comes to upholding the company’s core values. Working towards its ultimate aim of leading the field when it comes to autonomous mobile markets, Follow Inspiration is guided by the values of efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. Ricardo himself is a firm believer in these, and he uses this value system as a blueprint for everything from interacting with customers and partners to liaising with his own teams. These have proven invaluable in this COO ensuring things run smoothly across the company, as well as that trust is nurtured both internally and externally. “My approach as COO is to act much like a periscope: I make a conscious effort not to lose sight of the broader strategy above the waterline, all whilst staying deeply connected to the day-to-day realities faced by our teams below the surface.” On the back of the strengths inherent within this approach, Ricardo shares his primary aim for the rest of 2025, which is to secure a new round of investment fuel the next phase of the start-up’s growth. Ricardo explained: “Once this investment is in place, we plan to expand significantly, aiming for 50% growth in both 2026 and 2027. A significant part of this strategy involves entering the North American market, where we see strong demand for practical robotics solutions and an opportunity to build on our work in Europe.” Although he has only worked at Follow Inspiration for around eight months, the impact Ricardo Araújo has had on this autonomous robotics solutions company is considerable. Having made demonstrable improvements in everything from the business’ operations strategy to its global reach, this COO is a fitting recipient of this award. Contact: Ricardo Araújo Company: Follow Inspiration Web Address: followinspiration.pt Nov23008
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